Gone Baby Gone
GONE BABY GONE: CASEY AFFLECK HAS ARRIVED
Stepping out of the spotlight and getting behind a camera, Ben Affleck’s directorial debut is with Gone Baby Gone. Kid brother Casey commands attention with his portrayal of a Bostonian private investigator. It tells the story of a child abduction and its effect on the neighborhood where it occurs. Amy Ryan as the little girl’s mother comes out of nowhere with a knockout performance.
Little Amanda McCready (Madeline O’Brien) has gone missing from the mean streets of Boston. Her mother Helene (Amy Ryan) is a drug addict and alcoholic. Helene’s sister-in-law Bea (Amy Madigan) calls private investigators Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) to ask for their help. Both grew up in the seedy neighborhood and can get where the police can’t. Patrick tries to use his connections to find out information. Captain Jack Doyle (Morgan Freeman) of the police department extends them the courtesy of detectives Remy Bressant (Ed Harris) and Nick Poole (John Ashton). Between the four of them they set their sights on the local drug dealer Cheese (Edi Gathegi). Cheese denies any involvement at first. But then he contacts detective Remy and lets him know that he will exchange Amanda for the $130,000 that Helene and her boyfriend stole from him during a recent drug bust. He sends a note and Amanda’s blanket to Patrick and Angie as proof that he has her. When the exchange goes horribly wrong, Patrick finds out more and more that all is not as it seems.
The story is from 2007 Dennis Lehane II’s novel of the same name. It deals with the miscreants in Dorchester, a rough neighborhood in Boston. It shows moral issues that are not black and white that is engaging. Ben and brother Casey grew up in Boston. One asks, would Ben have grasped the essence of this neighborhood as well if he hadn’t grown up there? Only time will tell. Casey Affleck is the new one to watch. He shows a toughness and charisma that hasn’t been seen in Ben’s performances. When Patrick meets with Cheese, all the players fade into the background. He makes promises to Cheese that you know he will deliver on, just with his stare. Amy Ryan has played bit parts up until now. She turns in a Boston accent that makes you believe she is a native. She must have known the pressure was on with the Affleck boys. You are disgusted with her character and her selfish ways. The movie was filmed all over Boston. Ben gives you the insider look of where only the brave hang out. Bars such as Murphy’s Law and degraded homes that could only house criminals are ventured into.
The plot is a little contrived with its twists and turns. This takes away some of its believability.
Casey Affleck has been in the shadow of brother Ben up till now. With his unyielding characterization of Patrick Kenzie you see his talent front and center. He struggles with moral issues that are gray and unclear. You feel his pain and the decisions he has to make as he searches for this little girl. That is the heart of Gone Baby Gone and Ben Affleck has shown that he sees the capability in his brother and turns in a fine film as a first time director.
Report Card:
Story-B-
Acting-A
Visuals-B
Originality/Innovation-B+
Enjoyability Grade–B+
DVD Extras-B
Overall Grade-B+
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